4.3 Review

Open questions on the functional biology of the yolk granules during embryo development

Journal

MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT
Volume 89, Issue 2, Pages 86-94

Publisher

WILEY
DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23555

Keywords

development; oogenesis; yolk granules

Funding

  1. Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq) [JCNE E-26/202.244/2021]
  2. CoordenacAo de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES)

Ask authors/readers for more resources

Biogenesis and consumption of the yolk play essential roles in the reproductive biology of oviparous species, providing nutrients and energy for embryo development. However, the molecular mechanisms and functions of yolk mobilization remain largely unknown and require further investigation.
Biogenesis and consumption of the yolk are well-conserved aspects of the reproductive biology in oviparous species. Most egg-laying animals accumulate yolk proteins within the oocytes thus creating the source of nutrients and energy that will feed embryo development. Yolk accumulation drives the generation of a highly specialized oocyte cytoplasm with maternal mRNAs, ribosomes, mitochondria, and, mainly, a set of organelles collectively referred to as yolk granules (Ygs). Following fertilization, the Ygs are involved in regulated mechanisms of yolk degradation to fuel the anabolic metabolism of the growing embryo. Thus, yolk accumulation and degradation are essential processes that allow successful development in many species. Nevertheless, the molecular machinery and mechanisms dedicated to the programmed yolk mobilization throughout development are still enigmatic and remain mostly unexplored. Moreover, while the Ygs functional biology as a nutritional source for the embryo has been acknowledged, several reports have suggested that Ygs cargoes and functions go far beyond yolk storage. Evidence of the role of Ygs in gene expression, microbiota harboring, and paracrine signaling has been proposed. In this study, we summarize the current knowledge of the Ygs functional biology pointing to open questions and where further investigation is needed.

Authors

I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.

Reviews

Primary Rating

4.3
Not enough ratings

Secondary Ratings

Novelty
-
Significance
-
Scientific rigor
-
Rate this paper

Recommended

No Data Available
No Data Available